The Foreigner’s Guide to German Universities

Origin, Meaning, and Use of Terms and Expressions in Everyday University Life

Figuring out the many new terms confronting international students at German-language universities can be difficult. Even if the degree program is in English, most administrative work has to be done in German, and the bureaucratic university jargon is a language in and of itself.

This guide aims to help international students and researchers understand the structures and organization of German universities by providing in-depth descriptions of terms and their origins, allowing for easier integration into the host university and its culture.